LAHORE: Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique has announced that the Suthra Punjab Authority (SPA) will soon assume responsibility for all related matters, and the Suthra Punjab Agency will be established in each district under this Authority. “Transitioning administrative oversight from the division level to the district level will yield positive results,” he stated while presiding over a meeting of the newly-formed Suthra Punjab Authority on Tuesday. The meeting was attended by Punjab Local Government Secretary Shakeel Ahmed Mian, SPA Director General Babar Sahib Din, commissioners from across Punjab, and CEOs of waste management companies. During the meeting, participants discussed challenges faced by the Authority and the transfer of assets from waste management companies. The minister highlighted that the Suthra Punjab system has proven to be effective despite scepticism from some quarters. “It is being recognised internationally as a unique model, and we have moved from a learning phase to a mentoring phase. The city of Birmingham in the UK has reached out to Punjab to enhance its sanitation system. If this is not a testament to the success of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s vision, then what is,” he remarked. However, he emphasised that there is still significant work ahead to reach the ideal standard. “We cannot become complacent with our achievements. The expectations of the public for this system have risen, and we must meet those expectations,” he added. On this occasion, the secretary directed the commissioners to ensure the transfer of assets and funds from the companies to the Authority under their supervision. SPA DG Babar Sahib Din mentioned that the process of transitioning from a company model to an agency model will be completed shortly. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025